North County Juneteenth

The History of Juneteenth

“Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.”

GREETINGS

from Chairwoman Shalonda Webb and Councilwoman Rita Heard Days

For the �irst time, St. Louis County Chairwoman Shalonda Webb and Councilwoman Rita Days will join the municipalities that make up North County for a collective 5-day Juneteenth Celebration. The theme for our inaugural event is, A Kaleidoscope of Black Culture, #Together We Can!

During this 5-day celebration, we will emphasize BLACK JOY throughout North St. Louis County. Celebrations will highlight Black business, arts, entertainment and will feature activities for all ages that uplift and celebrate Black culture.

The History of Juneteenth

Contributor JUNETEENTH.com

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation – which had become of�icial January 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were �inally strong enough to in�luence and overcome the resistance.

Each event celebrated throughout the north county region, solidifying the partnership of elected of�icials, business and our communities. We believe that our efforts and celebration will go farther with these partnerships and will go a long way towards empowering North St. Louis County.

At a time in our country where there seems to be such division, we want to show harmony among our local businesses, leaders and community partners. Celebrating the liberation of African American slaves is foundational in demonstrating understanding and inclusion, in spite of all the attempts to undermine collective cooperation in our communities. By coming together and collaborating with each other, we can move mountains.

We are �ired up about the next �ive days and we hope you are too. The future of North County is bright, promising and worthy of celebrating and there is no better time to do it than Juneteenth. Thank you for your participation and thank you for all that you do for our community. ■

before going to Texas to enforce the Emanciquestion.

Later attempts to explain this two and a half year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another is that federal troops actually waited for the slave owners to reap the bene�its of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or none of these versions could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln’s authority over the rebellious states was in question. Whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.

One of General Granger’s �irst orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most signi�icantly with:

One of Number 3 which began most signi�i-

“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the

United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”

connection comes

and the realization of freedom. many that would be their �irst grasp of freedestina-

while in

ing states drove some into Louisiana, these es

The reactions to this profound news ranged from pure shock to immediate jubilation. While many lingered to learn of this new employer to employee relationship, many left before these offers were completely off the lips of their former ‘masters’ – attesting to the varying conditions on the plantations and the realization of freedom. Even with nowhere to go, many felt that leaving the plantation would be their �irst grasp of freedom. North was a logical destination and for many it represented true freedom, while the desire to reach family members in neighboring states drove some into Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Settling into these new areas as free men and women brought on new realities and the challenges of establishing a heretofore non-existent status for black people in America. Recounting the memories of that great day

in June of 1865 and its festivities would serve as motivation as well as a release from the growing pressures encountered in their new territories. The celebration of June 19th was coined “Juneteenth” and grew with more participation from descendants. The Juneteenth celebration was a time for reassuring each other, for praying and for gathering remaining family members. Juneteenth continued to be highly revered in Texas decades later, with many former slaves and descendants making an annual pilgrimage back to Galveston on this date. ■

Legacy Award Gwendolyn Reed

Gwendolyn Reed was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Beaumont High School and went on to attain a graduate degree from the University of Missouri, in Education. Mrs. Reed is currently the Committeewoman for the Spanish Lake Township and has served in this seat for 14 years. It’s no surprise that she is able to hold such a seat for so long because she’s been a dutiful north county resident and engaged community member for over 50 years. Her service to this region has ranged from elected official and mentor to a strong youth advocate and she’s served on several local political campaigns.

Mrs. Reed is a retired educator from the Hazelwood School District, where she contributed 27 years of service. She also served as Chairwoman for the Board of Trustees for St. Louis Community College and Past President for the Missouri Association for Community Colleges. Her impressive resume includes Retired Staff Assistant and Campaign Chairperson to the U.S. Congressman William L. Clay, Sr. and U.S. Congressman William Lacy Clay Jr., the Past President for the William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund, the Past Vice President for the Congressional Awards Council of Missouri and a former board member for North County Cares. And among so many honors, awards and other forms of recognition, Mrs. Reed is quite proud to have been acknowledge by the St. Louis County Democratic Party’s Buzz Westfall Award and an article, From Classroom to Boardroom, published by the National Education Association.

Above all, Mrs. Reed has been a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is the proud

mother of Angela and Stacy and grandmother to Cameryn. Her love for her family has been evident by her daughters’ dedication to their mother’s contributions to the community. And it does appear, they are following in her footsteps. One last noteworthy mention, Mrs. Reed is a steadfast member of Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church.

Legacy Award Ted Hoskins

The Honorable Theodore Hoskins is the Councilman of Ward III in the City of Berkeley.

He was married to Honorable Late Lee Etta Hoskins for 60 years .

He has two daughters and one granddaughter. He served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. He holds an A. A degree in Business Administration from Florissant Valley Community College and a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

In 1985, he was elected by the people of the third ward to represent them on the Berkeley City Council. He was successfully re-elected again in 1990, and 1994 and then elected as Mayor in 1996. As a Councilman, Hoskins served as president of the Black Elected Officials of St. Louis County, Missouri, and supported the redistricting of election districts in Missouri at both state and local levels to emphasize representation of African-Americans. Councilman Hoskins worked as a Financial Manager with Bi-state Development Agency, now Metro for more than 30 years and retired in August 2000 to

wholly focus on his political career.

In November 2002, Councilman Hoskins was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives, representing District 80, and served in the 92nd, 93rd, and 94th General Assembly of the Missouri General Assembly. In 2005, he successfully voiced his support for set-asides for minorities and women-owned businesses to then Governor Matt Blunt.

In January 2009, Hoskins served as the Chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee under House Speaker Ron Richard. At that time, Hoskins was only Democratic chairman of a committee in the Missouri House of Representatives. Hoskins served on four special committees: Student Achievement, Tax Reform, Tourism, and Urban Education Reform. In 2011, Hoskins met the term limit at the state level and return to capture the Berkeley Mayor’s seat again in April 2012. In his first four years, he reformed the City’s spending, worked to rebuild White Castle, Quick Trip, and met with Boeing officials on the 777X production plant, which completed its construction in 2016. When he reformed the city’s spending, it improved the city’s credit rating, allowing the city to construct a new police station. He also implemented an inhouse concrete street repair program. Allowing Berkeley Public Works employees to enhance their skills in the concrete trade.

With his success in the Mayor’s office, the people of Berkeley spoke again at the polls, re-electing him to another term in April 2016-2020. Hoskins has a vision to revitalize Berkeley one street at a time. Councilman Hoskins was Elected in April 2022 as Councilman of Ward III.

Over the years Hoskins has received numerous community service awards.

This Juneteenth, as we commemorate a monumental moment in history, we also celebrate the strides made by the city of Dellwood, fondly known as “The Crossroads of North County.” Our city represents the con�luence of a rich historical legacy, a vibrant community, and an ambitious vision for the future, powered by groundbreaking African American leadership.

Our journey began with Loretta Johnson, who not only made history as Dellwood’s �irst African American female mayor in 2011 but continues to serve the city diligently as an alderwoman. Following her pioneering tenure, Mayor Reggie Jones took the helm in April 2013, further cementing our

commitment to diverse leadership.

Dellwood stands at the crossroads of growth and community development. From the introduction of a new dog park and a state-of-the-art skating rink to the upcoming inauguration of our �irst senior apartment complex, a project in collaboration with the Urban League set for completion on West Florissant by year’s end.

local favorites like Cathy’s Kitchen restaurant.

The spirit of unity resonates within Dellwood, not just at the crossroads, but also in our annual events. This year, we’re hosting the second Juneteenth parade and third annual community fair at the Dellwood Rec Center, mirroring our vibrant community spirit.

In 1863, during the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which declared more than three million slaves living in the Confederate States to be free. More than two years would pass before General Gordon Granger and two thousand troops marched into Galveston, Texas,

Greetings from the Desk of Mayor Sharon Pace, City of Northwoods

I would like to address the importance of the upcoming Juneteenth holiday and what does it mean for the year of 2023 and beyond.

We are aware that the celebrated Holiday of Juneteenth was �inally recognized by Congress and has carried hopes of identifying the freedoms of Black people across these United States of America. If it were not for modern technology, Juneteenth would have

such as mental health facilities, an

Simultaneously, the city is reimagining Springwood Plaza under the stewardship of Refuge and Restoration. This renewed space will offer a plethora of resources, such as mental health facilities, an early childhood center, workforce development initiatives, Midwest Bank Centre, and

on June 19, 1865, declaring that slavery has been abolished.

However, even though the slaves were free, racism, inequality, and segregation remained.

Slaves migrated to northern states seeking a better quality of life. Fast forward to 1980, Texas was the �irst state to declare June-

never been considered a holiday or for that matter recognized as the ending of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. And even during the time of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation identifying that slaves were free; they really weren’t free until 1865 when the house passed the amendment by a two-thirds majority vote.

If you consider those same laws in modern times especially involving the courts, police, and even the clandestine methods used by this system, we are still struggling with our freedoms, justice, and equalities.

Mirroring our progressive outlook, the newly renovated Dellwood City Hall is replete with state-of-the-art technology. Our city’s progress is etched in every repaved street, and the ambitious recon�iguration of Hudson Ave and Trask Ave, made possible by a federal grant.

As we honor Juneteenth and the enduring strength of the African American community, we pay tribute to Dellwood - “The Crossroads of North County.” We look forward to more growth and shared achievements in 2023 and 2024, �irmly rooted in our history and reaching forward with unity and purpose. #TogetherWeCan Mayor Reggie Jones , City of Dellwood

teenth as the second Independence Day. It took another forty-one years for Juneteenth to be elevated to federal status it wasn’t until 2021 that President Joe Biden signed into law June 19th as a federal holiday.

Ironically, in 2023, we celebrate Juneteenth against a back drop characterize by an ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in the United States.

Mayor Ella Jones , City of Ferguson

I am so proud of the youth in the Normandy School District and who make up this community because they are recognizing the struggles of the past and making efforts toward equitable progress, even under the trauma that they consistently encounter.

This is the reason that I can give homage to the Juneteenth Holiday and thank God for never forgetting the struggles of our ancestors, who’s shoulders we will stand on forever. Because of the Juneteenth Holiday, we will celebrate it by continuing to teach our youth, young adults, and elders on the importance of sharing information about our struggles and how we have made giant progress. Please never forget this important holiday and share it with family and friends.

Mayor Sharon Pace , City of Northwoods

“We shout for joy that we will live to record this righteous decree.”

- Frederick Douglas Emancipation Proclaimed

the upcoming inauguration of

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is also called Emancipation Day or Juneteenth Independence Day. As Mayor of the largest city in St. Louis County, “Together We Can” to celebrate black contributions and culture while creating Black Joy throughout North St. Louis County.

Mayor Timothy J. Lowery Mayor of Florissant

The City of Bellefontaine Neighbors is excited to collaborate with our neighboring Municipalities and North County Regional Leaders for our Juneteenth Celebration.”

Mayor Dinah Tatman City of Bellefontaine Neighbors

”Black Joy is the vibe for our 5-day Juneteenth celebration! We are thrilled to work with St. Louis County and our surrounding municipalities to bring awareness to our north county communities about the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. We will enjoy learning and re�lecting on Black History during trivia at the Bellefontaine Neighbors community fair. You won’t want to miss it!”

Alderwoman Alease Dailes City of Bellefontaine Neighbors

In celebrating Juneteenth, the 24:1 Municipal Partnership acknowledges, understands, and re�lects on the in�luence of our history and how it has shaped our present day. We, also, look toward our future with a steadfast commitment to collaboration and capacity building to achieve the 24:1 Community’s Vision of Neighborly Communities, Invested Families, and Successful Businesses for the growth and prosperity of the 24:1 footprint, and entire North St. Louis County. #TogetherWeCan Mayor James McGee

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